Few superheroes are as recognizable as DC's Trinity: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Their recognition is both figurative and literal. In comic books, there isn't a criminal or villain who doesn't realize they are in trouble when any of these three heroes arrive on the scene. Similarly, in the real world, all three are global icons who transcend culture, language, age, gender, and tradition.

The recognition of Wonder Woman is not solely based on popularity, though that certainly plays a significant role. Longevity is also a key factor. All three have existed since the dawn of the superhero genre, which has allowed them to define many of the core elements of what it means to be a superhero.

Moreover, their "age" allows them to remain relevant to successive generations of fans, and appear in virtually every form of media ever created. They have had the most time to entrench themselves in the pop-cultural psyche - but that doesn't make them equal, either narratively or in treatment by DC and the publisher's fans.

Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman Created the Superhero Archetype

From the Golden Age of Comics to 2025

With such a strong reputational cachet, it’s no surprise that DC Comics would eventually decide to tap into the reserves of its good grace and establish these three heroes as the face of the DC Comics superhero universe. Their “presence at the beginning” imbues the three characters with foundational gravitas that elevates them above and sets them apart from other heroes. The distinct journeys each took to achieve “superhero supremacy” embody three iconic hero archetypes, serving as foundational figures not only for the superhero genre as a whole, but also for DC’s storytelling.

Wonder Woman debuted in a story by William Marston and Harry G. Peter from 1941's All-Star Comics #8.

These heroes exemplify the values, themes, and principles that lie at the core of DC Comics' creative focus. Undoubtedly, DC chose an ideal trio — a true trinity — to champion its universe. Whether one is a fan or not, these heroes, in their distinct ways, embody the very essence of the superhero, and their unwavering dedication deserves respect.

Matt Wagner's limited series, Batman / Superman / Wonder Woman: Trinity from 2003, was one of the first dedicated series to delve into the complex dynamics between these three figures. It established them not merely as a cornerstone of the DC universe, but as a central nexus: a point through which all significant narratives must ultimately to achieve resonance.

Unfortunately, DC's Trinity Is Not an Equal Partnership

And Wonder Woman Gets the Short End of the Stick

Considering DC Comics' emphasis on the Trinity as the "soul" of its universe, it would seem that all are equal partners, each bringing unique and essential qualities to achieve the greater good. However, examining the characters' management over the past two decades reveals a different narrative. Despite growing prominence, Wonder Woman remains significantly overshadowed by Batman and Superman. In fact, outside comic books, Wonder Woman has historically been relegated to a sidekick role rather than a power broker, undermining the notion of an equal partnership.

In the first sixty years of her existence, Wonder Woman was primarily only featured in her flagship Wonder Woman comic book series and a handful of graphic novels, including Trina Robbins’ Wonder Woman: The Once and Future Story from 1998 and Paul Dini and Alex Ross’ Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth from 2001. While she had her own live-action series, the groundbreaking Wonder Woman television show starring Lynda Carter, she never had a standalone animated series. Outside of her appearances as a member of DC's Super Friends in the cartoon series of the same name, her animated presence remained limited to team shows.

The lack of high-level Wonder Woman stories has persisted into the 21st century, which is particularly notable given that DC Comics eventually began promoting the concept of the Trinity. Since 2000, Wonder Woman has seen two high-profile movie releases: 2017's Wonder Woman and its sequel, Wonder Woman: 1984. However, outside of her role as a key member of the Justice League in the animated series Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, she has yet to receive a standalone animated television series. It is primarily in the comic books that Wonder Woman has consistently demonstrated her status as a true member of the Trinity.

Batman and Superman Are the Trinity's Senior Partners

Where Does That Leave Wonder Woman?

In contrast, Superman — during the same timeframe — starred in four live-action television series, at least three animated series, two flagship comic book series, along with numerous specials, limited series, and graphic novels. Meanwhile, Batman has starred in two live-action TV shows, five animated series, and no fewer than six ongoing comic book series, as well as several landmark limited series and graphic novels, including Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns and The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.

While Wonder Woman-centric comic books have increased in recent years, with notable titles like Kelly Sue DeConnick's Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons and Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman: Warbringer, her presence remains dwarfed by the vast amount of time and attention dedicated to Superman and Batman.

But perhaps times are a-changing thanks to the Absolute Universe, which includes the critically-acclaimed Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman, which is available now from DC Comics.

Both Batman and Superman boast flagship series, numerous standalone comics, live-action TV shows, animated series, and movies – including the nearly decade-long team-up series Superman / Batman and the ongoing title Batman / Superman: World's Finest. Notably, some of the most critically acclaimed material starring either hero includes iconic storylines such as Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Batman: Hush and Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's All-Star Superman, further underscoring the disparity, especially on best-of lists for both the comic book medium and the superhero genre.

Does This Disparity Make Wonder Woman the Trinity's Sidekick?

Princess Diana Deserves Better

Naturally, given the fortune of owning three of the oldest, most recognizable, popular, and influential superheroes ever created, it makes perfect sense for DC to lean into the idea of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as its foundation. All three have unquestionably earned that distinction. However, elevating them to such a status should also mean they receive equal treatment. While this idea may not have gained much traction in an earlier era, it should have become a priority once DC actively began promoting them as the Trinity. Otherwise, the entire premise risks inviting skepticism — or worse, ridicule.

The concept of the DC Trinity remains powerful and enduring...

The concept of the DC Trinity remains powerful and enduring, but the imbalance in standalone productions highlights some challenges. For the Trinity to feel truly balanced, DC must invest more in standalone projects for Wonder Woman, ensuring that all three characters are equally represented and celebrated. This kind of promotion would reinforce the notion that the Trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman is a trio of equals, each contributing something unique and essential to the DC Universe and the world of superheroes.

The ongoing Wonder Woman title - and many other comics starring Diana of Themyscira - is available now from DC Comics.